Tips on blasphemous thoughts?

[jwg213]

Hey guys I am new to this forum. I need some tips on what to do with my life right now. I have these blasphemous OCD thoughts about God and Jesus that have sent me into panic attacks and nervous breakdowns. I am going to see a psychiatrist on Monday. These thoughts have lasted about a week and right now my OCD is pretty calm, allowing me to post this. Right now I feel very cold and away from God, it is extremely painful, because I believe that a life without God in it is considered "Hell" for me. Can someone give me tips on what to do? I feel like I am the only one suffering from these thoughts although I know that other people do to. Thanks Guys and God Bless.

 

[jennifer_savannah]

From one newbie to another, welcome! I just found this forum a few days ago. I was feeling very low. Some events had taken place in my life recently and I truly believe the Lord led me to this site. I am so grateful!

I, like you, have experienced blasphemous thoughts. Sometimes these thoughts come (seemingly) from nowhere and sometimes they come as a part of a chain of events that begin with an episode of fear.

We know from the Word that fear brings torment.

"1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

However, one quick word about the fear of the Lord: We must have this kind of fear in order to submit and to relate to Him.

"Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

"Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

But the fear that OCDers face is an overwhelming fear of God and of His wrath and judgment. This causes many people with OCD to fear offending God in any way--like in their thought lives--which is a valid concern. What we mull over in our hearts is of great importance to God.

"Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

The thing we have to remember as OCD sufferers is that God knows more about us than we do. He knows more about our afflictions and trials and suffering than we do. We get all caught up over the bad thoughts when He already knows (and understands) what caused the bad thoughts in the first place: our fear! We need to recall the hope He offers us when we suffer afflictions.

"Psalms 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard."

Whenever you have a bad thought--however bad it is--DO NOT TURN FROM GOD. Not even for one second. Pray about it. Turn to Him and to His Word first for comfort and help.

"1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

When the thoughts really bother you, quickly rebuke them and hand them over to Christ. Do not mull over or worry yourself about them. You can say within yourself (or even aloud), "These thoughts are not of God; I cast these thoughts down!"

"2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

And then pray that the Lord will give you the strength to endure.

"2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Hopefully in time your symptoms will lessen or fade away. The Lord can heal someone of OCD, however this healing may not happen all at once. But, do not be discouraged! Jesus suffered, too.

"Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

We with OCD will have to endure this season of hardship and affliction... but not without help! We have the Lord with us right in the midst of our troubles!

"2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

And we know for certain that when we are saved that Christ is with us ALWAYS!

"Hebrews 13:5b for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

We, then, being saved and filled with the Holy Spirit do not have to fear evil! Not even evil thoughts!

"Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Take comfort in the Lord and praise Him for your victory!

"2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;​

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

"Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

 

[seajoy]

I'm glad to hear that you are going to a psychiatrist. You will learn ERP therapy and the thoughts will go away. You will probably get meds as well. May God keep you in His care.

 

[seajoy]

Jennifer.....I know you mean well, but it is not proper in this forum to steer people away from OCD treatment that works. To purposefully tell people not to ignore the OCD thoughts is wrong. God can and does work through therapy. For you to dismiss that as an expert in OCD is very disturbing.

 

[shelovesChrist]

hey jwg213,

first know that God is able . and that whatever it is you're facing, He's able and no matter how bad it feels, He's able, and no matter how bad the thoughts may be, He is able. and also know that you're not alone . when i first started having mine i thought i was the worst person ever , or it felt like , but i know now that im not alone . that there are other Christians who battle with this and that they are able to , despite it all, press forward with God. and that's what im learning to do and getting stronger at each day . its important to know that although we may not feel close to God or feel like He's there ,He is because He said it in His word . and once i learned that, my panic attacks left adn i was able to sleep in peace . it took a while , but now before i go to bed i dont countlessly wonder if i'll be able to make it into another day . the feelings can be overwhelming but continue, no matter how hard it is, to pray and read the Word and praise through the midst of your situation . He will make a way, He's known for making ways out of no ways =] im praying for you and that all goes well and that you continue to draw closer to the Father because as you said, life without Him , man , i dont even want to think about it .

 

[jennifer_savannah]

Jennifer.....I know you mean well, but it is not proper in this forum to steer people away from OCD treatment that works. To purposefully tell people not to ignore the OCD thoughts is wrong. God can and does work through therapy. For you to dismiss that as an expert in OCD is very disturbing.

I'm scratching my head, simply because I never once in my post (or in any other post) even slightly suggested that anyone not go through therapy or take their medication. Please use a quote next time, so that we can discuss your complaints more clearly.

And, actually, on another post I responded to someone who was wanting to stop taking their meds. I told them that if their meds were working for them to continue taking them! I live with others who are taking their psych meds and would never suggest that they stop taking them, either.

And, regarding ignoring the OCD thoughts, the choice to do that is up to the individual. I wouldn't tell anyone to do anything that I haven't done in order to battle OCD. In my opinion as a sufferer, I could not imagine just letting those wrong thoughts run rampant in my brain. I already suffer from doubt because of OCD; in order to keep my mind focused on Christ and to remain grounded in His Truth, I face-up to the bad thoughts as I would an intruder.

Again, please fully read the posts and use quotes to avoid misunderstandings in the future!

Thanks!

P.S. The following quote made by me in my earlier post might have been misunderstood so let me explain. I stated:

Hopefully in time your symptoms will lessen or fade away. The Lord can heal someone of OCD, however this healing may not happen all at once. But, do not be discouraged! Jesus suffered, too.
​

What I was trying to say was that we need not be discouraged if we wake up tomorrow and are still battling this disease... even with medication, OCD is still present and needs to be dealt with. The Lord, as Christians know and understand, helps us regardless of the affliction we might be suffering... if we turn to Him for help. That help can, and in many cases should, come from the medical community. Just don't exclude the Lord, because we are to trust in Him first are foremost.

 

[jennifer_savannah]

Just don't exclude the Lord, because we are to trust in Him first and foremost.

 

[seajoy]

When the thoughts really bother you, quickly rebuke them and hand them over to Christ. Do not mull over or worry yourself about them. You can say within yourself (or even aloud), "These thoughts are not of God; I cast these thoughts down!"

Rebuking the thoughts is something that one does not do in ERP therapy. This causes a circle of OCD thoughts to keep coming.

God understands OCD and what must be done to get rid of it. He does not hold our treatment against us.

Also, I saw in another thread where you said you are probably the only person that will tell someone not to ignore your thoughts....again, this flys in the face of therapy.

And I didn't say anything about you saying bad things about meds, so I'm not sure why you brought up meds.

 

[seajoy]

Just don't exclude the Lord, because we are to trust in Him first and foremost.

I very much agree with this.

 

[jennifer_savannah]

Rebuking the thoughts is something that one does not do in ERP therapy. This causes a circle of OCD thoughts to keep coming.

God understands OCD and what must be done to get rid of it. He does not hold our treatment against us.

Also, I saw in another thread where you said you are probably the only person that will tell someone not to ignore your thoughts....again, this flys in the face of therapy.

And I didn't say anything about you saying bad things about meds, so I'm not sure why you brought up meds.

Okay (letting out a huge sigh)...

1. First, I want to apologize to the original poster on this thread. I think this bickering back and forth is not really helping you.

2. You, seajoy, seem very defensive and are implying that no one else can have helping advice other than what you are suggesting. I'm recovering from OCD quite well, thank you, without medication... I rely on the Lord and His Word. I have no knowledge of "ERP therapy" and do not plan on using it. Why? Because I simply don't need it. If it helps you, then, by all means continue to use it. But this is a Christian forum wherein Scripture and the Lord should be discussed. I think every individual that comes to this site should be able to read and decide for themselves which "treatment" option (or a combination of treatments) is best for them.

3. To address this comment of yours: "And I didn't say anything about you saying bad things about meds, so I'm not sure why you brought up meds." Let's go back to an even earlier post of yours wherein you stated:

Jennifer.....I know you mean well, but it is not proper in this forum to steer people away from OCD treatment that works. To purposefully tell people not to ignore the OCD thoughts is wrong. God can and does work through therapy. For you to dismiss that as an expert in OCD is very disturbing.

• First of all, are you implying that the treatment and healing I've received from the Lord hasn't worked for me? I'm healing perfectly well (from OCD, Hypersensitivity, BPD, GAD, and Depression) with my treatment plan... no meds involved whatsoever.

• Second, are you suggesting that there's no healing power in the Word of God? (Remember, you opened this can of worms.)

• Thirdly, you said "OCD treatment." Doesn't that include meds?

4. Let me address this quote of yours: "God understands OCD and what must be done to get rid of it. He does not hold our treatment against us." My guess is that, at some time or another, some religious person told you not to take medicines or perhaps they implied that taking medicines or receiving therapy is wrong. When did I ever say that or even imply that? And did you really read my original post on this thread? All the way down, word-by-word? You know, you don't always have to agree with everyone. I am allowed to discuss God on this forum and to say what He has done in my life. That is still my privilege. It seems that you also enjoy this privilege since you are an avid poster. Why not try and give advice and help to others without jabbing at someone else's advice. It simply looks as though you are causing unnecessary strife.

5. Finally... you said: "Also, I saw in another thread where you said you are probably the only person that will tell someone not to ignore your thoughts....again, this flys in the face of therapy." What I said might fly in the face of your therapy, but not mine. Different strokes, for different folks? You haven't forgotten that I'm a sufferer, too, have you? It seems as though you are treating me like I'm some outsider with no experience with OCD. I know what I've used as therapy works for me and will work for others, that's why I've posted it here on this forum... to be a help for others.

I've had some therapy for OCD... I visited a therapist about this when I first noticed the more severe symptoms. The therapist had no clue what it was like to be OCD, he only had facts about it. And he only wanted to rehearse what was wrong with me... over and over. Well, I tired very quickly of that type of method, because I wanted to get better and to move forward, not wallow around in it. I'm still healing, with the help from the Lord. His Scripture comforts me and He has revealed to me how loving He is. He's not judgemental about our problems. He's always been loving toward me and He's showing me that, with His strength and peace (which only He gives), that I can face the distortion of OCD. Now, this is my testimony... and I hope that it touches someone else and helps them in their own battle. We should not be trying to harm one another; we should be comforting one another.

"2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;​

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

 

[seajoy]

It's seems your goal is to discount anything I say.....so I'll be taking a break from this part of the forum. I'll be the one to step out of here. I do not do well with people who put down traditional ERP therapy, especially when they don't know anything about it.

I never said you couldn't talk about what God has done for you. You are trying to come across as being a better Christian than I because of what you did to get better. I don't do well with that attitude either.

So.....there won't be anymore bickering, as I won't be here. It's best for all concerned.

 

[jennifer_savannah]

It's seems your goal is to discount anything I say.....so I'll be taking a break from this part of the forum. I'll be the one to step out of here. I do not do well with people who put down traditional ERP therapy, especially when they don't know anything about it.

I never said you couldn't talk about what God has done for you. You are trying to come across as being a better Christian than I because of what you did to get better. I don't do well with that attitude either.

So.....there won't be anymore bickering, as I won't be here. It's best for all concerned.

Doesn't this sound like OCD talking? Maybe we're both thinking the other is discounting us?

I did not put down traditional therapy, I simply (and honestly) said I don't need it. It's not that my OCD (and other mental problems) aren't severe, because they really are. I've cried and suffered, but through this I approached the Lord more than I normally would have... and the result was a greater and fuller relationship with Him, which is what we all ultimately desire and need.

And no one could be a better (or worse) Christian than you or me. We are all in the same boat. You know that God is no respecter of persons. He loves you and me the same, no matter which route we take for healing.

Please don't take my pointing the way to the Lord as a strike against anyone or anything else. And please don't feel as if you have to ignore this forum. I have read some posts of yours that I thoroughly enjoy!

 

[seajoy]

No, this doesn't sound like my OCD - it's just me being a butt. I have fibromyalgia, and have been in tons of pain for 3 weeks. Sometimes I don't realize I come across as a cranky pants at times like this.

I do think we are on the same team....as we both belong to Jesus.

I will still take a little break. As I said, it's best for all concerned. I'll be back later. Take care, and I'm glad you are doing so well with your OCD.

 

[jennifer_savannah]

I have fibromyalgia, and have been in tons of pain for 3 weeks.

I hope you feel better! I have it in my lymph nodes (according to the doc), but I don't have really severe pain from it unless the nodes are touched. I have costochondritis (arthritis and pain of the rib cage/chest); those bouts are pretty painful.

And I can also be a pain in the rear end! The Lord is dealing with me about so many things. But, the most important thing He wants me to do is love Him and love others. And I am trusting Him to help me with that, because we all need to be loved!

Again, !!

 

[shelovesChrist]

We should not be trying to harm one another; we should be comforting one another.

Amen ,

and there is power in the word of God . I've read many posts where some ignore the thoughts and some take them on , but at the end of the day I realize that I cant dwell , but move on . there's nothing wrong with encouraging yourself in scripture, as Christians we NEED to meditate on the word, especially when they get too heavy and the guilt gets to me (which im still working on), and i have a good talk with my Father in prayer and worship Him through the pain, sing songs of praises, but sometimes ive also found when they come in waves, one after the other, that you just have to be still and know that He is God . rest in that . rest in His love , HIs power , His righteousness . have faith in Him , and have faith that He is righteous in judgement and wont condemn you for thoughts you dont want , He wants to make us whole. i think its great that we are able to distinguish them from the ones we want to have and the ones we dont want , but at the end of the day we have to realize that it is Him that is holding us . Our dependency should be on Him . Again im not denouncing therapy or medicine, as from what I heard from other testimonies they help, but we have to trust in the Lord . from reading earlier posts and the ones now, a lot of people are getting stronger and i know some post when they stumble, as it is frustrating to be strong one moment and feel weak the next, but we have to realize we are being kept . =] Praying for all

 

[shelovesChrist]

but we have to trust in the Lord

meaning that we cant have more hope in medicine and in therapy than we do in the Lord . for all power in Heaven and Earth is in His hands.

 

[winterbluebells]

ever you have a bad thought--however bad it is--DO NOT TURN FROM GOD. Not even for one second. Pray about it. Turn to Him and to His Word first for comfort and help.

- Jennifer, I always have a run of thought after thought, millions over and over. Surely I don't have to pray after each one?

 

[kaykay9.0]

ever you have a bad thought--however bad it is--DO NOT TURN FROM GOD. Not even for one second. Pray about it. Turn to Him and to His Word first for comfort and help.

- Jennifer, I always have a run of thought after thought, millions over and over. Surely I don't have to pray after each one?

I guess we all have to find our own way, but for me the following way of dealing is the kind of thing that helped. This is what I recommend to others who ask. First of all, say to the Lord, one time and ONE time only that you are sorry you are having these thoughts and that you don't want them. But that from now on you are going to simply ignore when and if they appear in your head and that you are doing this in order to get rid of them more quickly. (Obviously, the Lord knows your heart. You say this more for yourself just to have some element of peace about it.) Then do it and gradually, the thoughts will lessen and disappear if you don't panic and add anxiety to the mix. At least this was kinda my experience. I also recommend counseling and possibly meds if needed. However, this is my recommended method for dealing with the unwanted, intrusive blasphemous thoughts on a frontline, personal level. Again, if someone else has found a different way that works better for them, great, but this is the "kaykay" recommended method. It's difficult at first to ignore this type of thought but it's kinda like ignoring a child that's having a tantrum. You don't reinforce them with attention generally. Does that make sense?

 

[shelovesChrist]

You say this more for yourself just to have some element of peace about it. That's really true, sometimes you do have to remind yourself and encourage yourself, because the anxiety of the thoughts can be so huge depending on the intensity of the thought . Love the example you used referring to the tantrum child, i also liked the word i heard CC and Mitzi use on here which is "numbing the thoughts"

 

[Magnus Maximus]

I get it from time to time also My God bless you and help you thr/ it